Does Kenny Survive If You Sacrifice Him in High on Life?
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The short answer is: yes, Kenny survives even if you choose to sacrifice him in High on Life. While the game presents a dramatic moment of choice where you seemingly have to choose between your beloved talking gun and the fate of the world, rest assured that no matter which Gatlian you pick, including Kenny, they all make it through the ordeal. The explosion is not as fatal as it appears, and the sacrificed Gatlian returns, albeit a bit worse for wear. Let’s delve into the specifics of this crucial decision, and answer some burning questions about Kenny and the sacrifice mechanic.
The Sacrifice Choice: A Moment of Heartbreak
Towards the end of High on Life, after you’ve become a feared bounty hunter and are ready to face the G3 leader, Garmantuous, you’re faced with a difficult choice. You need to plant an atomizer bomb inside Garmantuous to defeat him. Unfortunately, the bomb isn’t equipped with a timer, and needs to be manually detonated. The only way to trigger the bomb is by using one of your living, talking Gatlians.
The game heavily implies that sacrificing Kenny is the most heart-wrenching and impactful choice, due to his role as the main weapon and narrator throughout your adventure. He even delivers a heartfelt speech, thanking you for the adventure of a lifetime. Meanwhile, Gus, the other talking gun, will panic and whine that you like Kenny more than him, adding a touch of humor to the dramatic situation.
However, this choice is somewhat of a red herring. While the dialogue, and even the achievement “Playing Favorites,” might lead you to believe that Kenny’s sacrifice is unique, the game’s mechanics ensure that all Gatlians will miraculously survive the explosion, even if they look a little battered.
Why the Illusion of Mortality?
The developers implemented this fake sacrifice for dramatic effect. It intensifies the emotional stakes and allows players to fully feel the weight of the decision. It’s a classic example of a video game trope where the player believes their choice has significant consequences, only to discover that the game’s narrative ensures a specific outcome. This narrative trick keeps the focus on the impact and not on permanent loss.
What Happens After The Sacrifice?
Regardless of which Gatlian you choose, the process is the same: you shove the chosen gun into Garmantuous, they manually detonate the bomb, and are assumed to be dead. However, they don’t stay dead. They fall from the sky, battered, but alive. This applies equally to Kenny; he’ll return to your arsenal with his trademark personality intact.
Kenny’s Fate in High on Life
Kenny’s role as the main weapon in High on Life also makes him the game’s guide and narrator. He’s a constant companion, offering (sometimes helpful) advice and commentary. He’s also a Gatlian born on the planet Gatlus, an isolated planet on the edge of an asteroid belt. His bond with the player is a core part of the experience, which is why sacrificing him is made to feel like such a significant moment.
Despite the dramatic sacrifice, Kenny continues to be the main gun for the player throughout the rest of the game. He’s even featured in the High on Knife DLC, though the events of the DLC reveal that he was dropped by the player during a mission and considered lost for a period of time. This also helps to explain why, even after his ‘death’ at the end of the original game, he’s completely fine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kenny and the Sacrifice Mechanic
To further clarify, let’s answer some common questions related to Kenny, the sacrifice, and the general game experience.
What happens if you sacrifice Lezduit?
Like all other Gatlians, Lezduit will survive the sacrifice, though he might look a bit worse for wear. He’ll return to your arsenal after the explosion.
Who is the final boss in High on Life?
The final boss in High on Life is Garmantuous, the leader of the G3 cartel. You must defeat him to save Earth and humanity.
How do you use an atomizer bomb in High on Life?
You use an atomizer bomb by approaching Garmantuous after defeating him the first time and manually detonating it. When it fails, Garmantuous recovers, imprisons you, and brings in the people you care about most.
Who can you sacrifice in High on Life?
You can sacrifice any of the Gatlians in your arsenal, including Kenny, Gus, Sweezy, Creature, and Lezduit. The result is the same for each: they survive.
What is the main purpose of the sacrifice mechanic?
The sacrifice mechanic is mainly a narrative tool used to create a moment of dramatic tension and player engagement. It adds emotional weight to the final battle with Garmantuous.
Is there any way to save Kenny in High on Life?
Yes, while the game implies that you must sacrifice Kenny, you can choose any of the other Gatlians instead. Regardless of your choice, Kenny is safe as no Gatlians die permanently.
What happens to Kenny in High on Life’s DLC?
In the DLC, it is revealed that Kenny was accidentally dropped by the Bounty Hunter during a mission, leading to him being lost for a period of time. He eventually returns.
What happens if you sacrifice a gun in High on Life?
When you sacrifice a gun, it is presumed dead initially, but they all survive the explosion and return to the player afterwards, looking somewhat worse for wear.
Does High on Life end after beating the game?
High on Life does have post-game content, though it primarily involves exploring areas you’ve previously visited. There isn’t a significant new narrative to uncover, however.
Who is the main villain in High on Life?
The main villain in High on Life is Garmantuous, the leader of the G3 cartel.
What is the strongest weapon in High on Life?
Lezduit is considered the ultimate weapon in the game. He’s Kenny’s master who was thought to be dead.
Which gun should I sacrifice in High on Life?
It doesn’t matter which gun you sacrifice, because all of them survive. The choice is purely a matter of personal preference or roleplaying.
What is the end of High on Life?
High on Life ends with the defeat of Garmantuous. This leads to the eventual downfall of the G3 cartel.
What is the hardest boss in High on Life?
Bro-Tron is generally considered the hardest boss in High on Life, due to its challenging attack patterns and the fact that the trio split to attack simultaneously during the fight.
Does High on Life have a secret boss?
Yes, 5-Torg is a secret boss you can fight after defeating 9-Torg during one of your bounties.
Conclusion: All Gatlians Are Safe
The sacrifice mechanic in High on Life, while designed to feel significant and emotional, doesn’t lead to any permanent loss. Regardless of whether you choose Kenny, Gus, Sweezy, Creature, or Lezduit, they will all survive. The game utilizes this moment to enhance the narrative and the player’s investment, not to punish them for their decision. So, rest easy; your beloved talking guns, including Kenny, are safe and sound. They’ll all be back in action after the explosion.